In the midst of a heatwave and severe drought in Britain this summer, Divya Hariramani was tending to a plum tree in south London when she observed an issue with one of its branches. The branch was on the verge of breaking away from the tree due to the tree’s stress caused by the heat, as explained by the workers at Mitcham Community Orchard.
Hariramani, known for her social media account “Fruity Walks,” where she showcases fruit trees and their caretakers in London, highlighted the impact of the weather on the trees. Despite London’s renowned stone architecture, the city is also famous for its ancient urban forest, considered one of the largest globally.
The ongoing heatwaves and lack of rainfall have taken a toll on London’s green canopy, with projections indicating a bleak future for the city’s eight million trees. According to a recent report from Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, around 73% of London’s trees could face the risk of perishing due to climate change by the end of the century.
The report by Kew Gardens emphasized the vulnerability of London’s urban forest, revealing that a significant portion of public trees are ill-suited to future climate conditions without intervention. The impact of climate change is already visible, as evidenced by the loss of 400 trees at Kew Gardens in 2022 due to extreme heat and drought.
In response to the changing climate, experts are considering planting tree species that can better adapt to the warmer conditions expected in London. Botanical horticulturists like Joe Richomme are exploring alternatives to the current tree species to ensure the city’s greenery thrives in the future.
The concern for London’s trees extends to preservation efforts, with advocates like Paul Wood stressing the significance of protecting the city’s ancient woodland areas. Woods like Highgate Woods and Sydenham Hill Woods, home to trees dating back a millennium, are facing challenges due to the changing climate, threatening not just their historical value but also the biodiversity they sustain.
The impact of climate change on London’s trees serves as a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable natural heritage that the city holds dear.